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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

How To Make People Wonder: Vernon Parker Touts Presidential Endorsement, Leaves Out Money Quote

The e-mail hit our inboxes just before 2:00 this afternoon: "President George H. W. Bush Endorses Vernon" screamed the subject line and the headline. The e-mail was in the form of a signed letter from Congressional candidate Vernon Parker, one of six currently vying for the Republican nomination in the new 9th District in Arizona. Even though he worked for the President as a young man, the endorsement seemed a bit surprising.

The wording of Parker's letter - and the failure to attach the entire Bush letter - makes one wonder if the elder George Bush is actually endorsing Parker for the Congressional seat or just praising him. Parker's letter can be found in its entirety at the bottom of this post (after the jump).

The only quote that Parker provides in the letter is "Vernon is a good man who served honorably in my Administration." Vernon is a leader who demonstrates conservative values, love for country, and commitment to excellence in all that he has done." It certainly could have come from a simple courtesy job recommendation letter, especially since Parker's e-mail does not note when the President had written those words.

Arizona's Politics searched on the website for more details, searched on the internet for more details, and sent messages to the campaign for more details. Finally, we located a post that indicates that a news release was apparently sent out - it is similarly worded but may have attached the April 13 Bush letter. And, at the very bottom of the release, are the words that should have been included in Parker's letter to supporters and potential supporters:

"President Bush letter to Vernon Parker ended simply by saying: “I encourage you to vote for Vernon Parker.” All the best, George Bush

President George H. W. Bush Endorses VernonToday, I am deeply honored to have the support of a President I had the
privilege to serve and for whom I have the highest regard, President George H.W.
Bush.In his endorsement, President Bush said the following:"Vernon is a good man who served honorably in my Administration." Vernon
is a leader who demonstrates conservative values, love for country, and
commitment to excellence in all that he has done."President Bush epitomizes all that I aspire to be as an American, a public
servant, and as this new district's first Member of Congress. President Bush is
a statesman whose legacy will loom large.
In his letter to me, my former boss
generously remarked that he regards my life story as the "'American dream.
Indeed, in my mind, President Bush is an American icon, whose life story and
achievements, I know, will serve to inspire young people for future generations.
It is a rare move for a former President of the United States, to endorse a
candidate for Congress in a primary election. President Bush has my assurance
that every day on the campaign trail I will aspire to be the kind of candidate,
in whom, he placed his trust.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Vernon

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